Accounts Manager / Director (Hybrid)

About the role

Acorn by Synergie is seeking an experienced Accounts Manager / Director to join a top‑50 UK accountancy practice in Axminster. The role offers a clear progression path towards partnership and combines client‑facing advisory work with leadership of junior staff.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and develop a diverse portfolio of business clients, acting as a strategic adviser.
• Prepare and review statutory accounts for limited companies, partnerships and sole traders.
• Prepare and review corporate and personal tax returns and oversee VAT compliance.
• Support business start‑ups, company incorporations and HMRC registrations.
• Deliver proactive business and tax planning advice.
• Lead, mentor and develop junior team members, ensuring workflow and deadlines are met.
• Assist Directors and Partners on technical and advisory projects.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen client relationships and expand service offerings.

Required profile

• ACA or ACCA qualified.
• Proven experience at Accounts Manager level or higher within an accountancy practice.
• Strong commercial awareness and a proactive approach.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building abilities.
• Ambition to progress to Director or Partnership level.

Required skills

• Statutory accounts preparation and review.
• Tax return preparation (corporate and personal).
• VAT compliance and HMRC submission handling.
• Audit and charity/not‑for‑profit assignment experience (advantageous).

What we offer

• Competitive salary (£60,000‑£70,000 per year, dependent on experience).
• Clear progression towards Director and Partnership.
• Annual salary reviews.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Enhanced pension contributions and death‑in‑service benefit.
• Health, wellbeing and employee assistance programmes.
• Holiday buy/sell scheme.